Mandela, 94, Is Hospitalized

Nelson Mandela was admitted to the hospital overnight to treat a recurring lung infection. Presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said that he was admitted around midnight, "an indication in itself that the doctors were concerned." Photo: Getty Images

PRETORIA, South Africa— Nelson Mandela was admitted to an unidentified hospital overnight to treat a recurring lung infection, his second hospitalization this month, the South African presidency said on Thursday, sparking concerns over the antiapartheid icon's health.

A spokesman for President Jacob Zuma said late Thursday that Mr. Mandela was "responding positively" to treatment but remained in the hospital.

The 94-year-old former leader was admitted to the hospital shortly before midnight and was conscious, the spokesman, Mac Maharaj, said.

"Doctors found his lung infection had returned…and that warranted hospitalization immediately," said Mr. Maharaj. "Doctors are doing everything to keep him comfortable and treat the infection."

Mr. Mandela has battled a lung infection for decades, having been diagnosed with the early stages of tuberculosis while he was in prison. The latest hospitalization follows his admission in early March for what the presidency said was a scheduled check-up to manage his existing conditions, and a three-week stay in December to treat a lung infection and to remove gallstones. The frequency of his hospital stays has increased in recent months.

ENLARGE

Nelson Mandela in 2008
European Pressphoto Agency

"We appeal to the people of South Africa and the world to pray for our beloved Madiba and his family, and to keep them in their thoughts," Mr. Zuma said, using the leader's clan name, by which he is referred to fondly in his home country. "We have full confidence in the medical team and know that they will do everything possible to ensure recovery."

Mr. Mandela has largely avoided public view in recent years as his health has deteriorated. He made a rare appearance during the final of the 2010 World Cup held in South Africa, circling the field in a golf cart with his wife, Graça Machel. After his presidency, he largely stayed out of politics.

Mr. Mandela, elected South Africa's first black president in 1994 as a member of the African National Congress, served as president for one term after spending more than a quarter of a century behind bars for his efforts to end apartheid.

Mr. Mandela rose to international prominence for his vision of a country where people of all colors could live and work together peacefully. Progress toward that ideal has been slow.

In the past year, the ANC has suffered infighting as it elected Mr. Zuma to a second term as head of the political organization.

The government also has struggled to respond to labor unrest after police fired into a crowd of mine protesters last August, killing 34 people.

The ANC has come under mounting criticism for ineffective responses to the country's biggest problems, such as high unemployment and the widening gap between rich and poor.

This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com.